| Author |
Message |
roger
Preferred Member
Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 276
|
# Posted: 25 Feb 2007 21:34 � Edited by: roger
Reply
Where the heck do you live Hannah??....either way, those are my suggestions and I wish you the best of luck!
Roger
|
jlDunn
Member
Joined: 5 Feb 2007
Posts: 122
|
# Posted: 26 Feb 2007 13:39
Reply
Hi Hannah,
You are from CSG right? We have a group called PERT that trains people how to market the package b2b.....and if you visit the CSG marketplace in your backoffice, we have the smart CEO package that has all sorts of fancy fliers, and scripts to use on the phone or in person.....all put together by the pro's.....
If you want to try b2b, try to do small businesses.....Lisa Moore is great...she does it all...Try some of these too....
Tanning salons - allows them to offer clients complimentary vacations for purchasing 12months of tanning vs 3 or 6
Hair salons - complimetary vacations for reffering 3 new clients....
Pet shops - enter a draw for monthly complimentary vacations for purchasing pet supplies there instead of at a department store....
Trucking / delivery companies - employee insentives for so many months of accident free driving.....
Hope that helps a little.
Lindsay
|
roger
Preferred Member
Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 276
|
# Posted: 26 Feb 2007 14:35
Reply
I've seen the flyers you use in that CD and they look good.
You've given me some ideas too Lindsay, thanks.
Roger
|
daretodream
Member
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 30
|
# Posted: 26 Feb 2007 18:55
Reply
Linsday,
Every Prod & Ret call I have been on has simply told us how to use our package for personal use. As far as the Street Smart CEO, I would love to get that but it is kinda backwards from my not spending money 
You've given some wonderful ideas though, I can try alot of different places around here  We must have at least 10 tanning salons...30 or so hair salons...hmmm, perhaps next weekend should be a going about town weekend. Only problem is I'll probably have to do some shopping while I'm out and about 
|
screamingeagle
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2007
Posts: 96
|
# Posted: 26 Feb 2007 20:55 � Edited by: screamingeagle
Reply
Could someone elaborate on the b2b marketing?
What is the "Street Smart CEO"?
What is the "the CSG marketplace in your backoffice"? It's quoted from Lindsay above.
How do you approach business owners, to see if they're looking for additional sources of income?
Which books do you recommend that I read?
Are there telephone training calls available?
How often are there training seminars?
What personal attributes make a great Coastal Rep?
Are there additional expenses besides the additional $1295 or $3995 investment?
Are there any successful Coastal Representatives in Alaska?
Which countries of the world am I able to do business in?
Are there any things that I should avoid doing? i.e. marketing, start-up, etc.
Again, Thank You for all your answers.
|
roger
Preferred Member
Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 276
|
# Posted: 26 Feb 2007 21:55 � Edited by: roger
Reply
Wow, screamingeagle you ain't playin' around, those are some questions!
A lot of your questions can be answered at your leisure on a 24 hour recorded call for the Coastal Call Center at 212-461-8974
1) B2B marketing is the same as retailing it to businesses. Click on this link of a post I wrote on this forum "There is more than one way to run your business". It's related to your questions:
http://www.work-at-home-forum.com/22_2989_0.html
2) Street Smart CEO is a product offered by one of the groups, Coastal Synergy Group. It provides a lot of information on retailing the product which includes ready-made flyers and presentations.
3) the 'back office' is the system all Coastal groups use to monitor their prospects and the stages they are in.
4) this is a training in itself, this is where my expertise is and I can show you how I do it.
5) Think And Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill
6) Yes, a lot of calls availabe to you!
7) Coastal's official seminars take place twice a year, next one is in March!
8) intestinal fortitude, stick-tu-itive-ness, passion, belief, faith
9) additional expenses include leads, marketing materials, basic office supplies etc.
10) Alaska? I don't know I'm afraid.
11) Most countries in the world; unless things have changed, we cannot sell our product in North Dakota.
12) Avoid doing things all by yourself without guidance from your Director so choose wisely....also, start with two to three marketing strategies.
Hope this helps, feel free to click on my signature link below to gain access to my site. Once you get on the site, it will share a lot more of the information you're looking for including direct access to the Call Center.
Roger
|
jlDunn
Member
Joined: 5 Feb 2007
Posts: 122
|
# Posted: 28 Feb 2007 16:02
Reply
Hello Screaming Eagle....
To elaborate on what Roger has already answered.....
b2b marketing is Business (yourself) to business (other businesses ie.car dealerships, realestate, and a couple mentioned above just to name a few)
The CSG marketplace is where we are able to purchase additional items such as the "Streetsmart CEO", and other items that are related to personal development, marketing tools, CSG Events above and beyond the official Coastal Seminars, and products for tax savings.
Our backoffice is our members only area where we are able to access all sorts of trainings, events, resources, and all sorts of things.
Telephone trainings are available all the time, all day long, everyday....we (CSG) also have online trainings and broadcasts availble....
There are training seminars 2x per year.....you get a ticket for one in your package.....plus depending on your group....there are other seminars for groups....CSG has them about every 2 or 3 months....in April they are in Atlanta, Georgia, and in June they are in Las Vegas...
A good coastal rep requires faith in the system....belief in the product....encouragement for their team.....a positive attitude, and a promise to "Never Quit no matter what!"
Onto those additional expenses you must add your website....in the case of CSG it is 4 websites, a fax number, and toll free # for $89.95/month....but it's an affiliate....you get $10/month for everyone you sign up.....
I just signed someone up from Alaska, and have another on her way!!
You can do business anywhere, 2 of the leaders in our group - one if from Brazil and the other is from Mexico.....If you can dream it, you can do it!!
As for what not to do.....I don't know.....but I can tell you what to do, and you already are doing it!!! Ask lots of questions, find a supportive director, choose a system that you like, and plug into the system!!!
Let me know if you have any more!!
Lindsay
|
screamingeagle
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2007
Posts: 96
|
# Posted: 1 Mar 2007 02:23 � Edited by: screamingeagle
Reply
Ok, here comes my next round of questions. I'm also talking and asking questions to my director, but want to get other people's input. I'm in the middle of a 6-week small business start-up class, so I'm always thinking of questions about Coastal.
Is there any liability as a Coastal Rep?
Which business entity do you use? Do most people use a sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or other?
With so many Coastal people with websites, how does one pick one that is unique?
Do you recommend any travel industry publications, websites, etc.?
Do any of you do other business that compliment the Coastal opportunity?
Are the vacations that I take tax write-offs?
Are there are real busy or real slow times for retailing?
I realize that I will need to contact a professional for some of this, but it would be great to receive feed back about them.
Again, Thank You,
Robert
|
jlDunn
Member
Joined: 5 Feb 2007
Posts: 122
|
# Posted: 1 Mar 2007 11:35
Reply
Hi again Robert....
1 - you mean liability as in law suits and things - I don't really think so.....anyone else???
2 - I use a sole proprietorship....
3 - CSG uses the same websites for everyone....the CSG MAC system is set up for what is alread in place including links and looks....
4 - I have been looking myself - I just keep searching....
5 - Some have found that Traverus (it's a travel agent program) is a good partner....with CSG has partnered with Inteletravel and made it part of our program (it too is a travel agent program)....You then get to earn commissions on trips you book for yourself, friends, family, and get travel agents discounts everywhere you stay!!
The next 2 have got me - I'm not really sure....I would think that vacations you took with your group....for training or other purposes would be a tax write-off, though I couldn't really tell you...I don't know much about american tax laws....
Hope that helps - what group are you looking into?
Lindsay
|
screamingeagle
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2007
Posts: 96
|
# Posted: 1 Mar 2007 11:44
Reply
Hi Lindsay:
Thank You for the replies. The group I'm going with is CSG, Coastal Synergy Group.
Thank You,
Robert
|
jlDunn
Member
Joined: 5 Feb 2007
Posts: 122
|
# Posted: 1 Mar 2007 13:16
Reply
Great,
Then I have a great call for you to go to....You should actually ask your director about it....It is called the Synergy Solutions call....
It is tonight at 10 pm....you should be able to get all your questions answered there.
If you want the number, or want me to take you cuz I am going....please email me.
Lindsay
|
daretodream
Member
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 30
|
# Posted: 1 Mar 2007 21:43
Reply
Anything can be a tax write off if you discuss business. If you go on vacation and you discuss your business in any fashion it is instantly a tax write off. If you take your best friend out for lunch and you tell him/her what you do for a living your lunch is a tax write off.
|
screamingeagle
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2007
Posts: 96
|
# Posted: 2 Mar 2007 00:38 � Edited by: screamingeagle
Reply
Hi Lindsay: Unfortunately, I didn't get off of work in time for this call. Are there any calls like this on the weekend?
Take Care,
Robert
Quoting: jlDunn Great, Then I have a great call for you to go to....You should actually ask your director about it....It is called the Synergy Solutions call.... It is tonight at 10 pm....you should be able to get all your questions answered there. If you want the number, or want me to take you cuz I am going....please email me. Lindsay
|
roger
Preferred Member
Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 276
|
# Posted: 5 Mar 2007 08:04
Reply
Hi Robert,
Unless I'm mistaken the CSG has an events calender you can access online that gives you the call schedule for the month.
I'm sure your Director or Lindsay knows more about that?
Roger
|
screamingeagle
Member
Joined: 25 Feb 2007
Posts: 96
|
# Posted: 5 Mar 2007 18:22
Reply
Hi Roger:
I just signed up for the Mac System, deluxe edition on Friday, March 2nd, 2007. So, I will have access to tons more information. The technology is absolutely amazing!
I'm signed up for the CSG-U training on March 14th and 28th, and plan on doing more of the training calls this week. I'm a bit nervous, excited and terrified all at once about this opportunity. I guess that's what happens when I step out of my comfort zone.
Thank You,
Robert
Quoting: roger Hi Robert, Unless I'm mistaken the CSG has an events calender you can access online that gives you the call schedule for the month. I'm sure your Director or Lindsay knows more about that? Roger
|
roger
Preferred Member
Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 276
|
# Posted: 5 Mar 2007 18:54
Reply
I agree, once you step out of that comfort zone it can be scary but not to worry as long as you have good leadership, faith and you take action you'll do great - good luck!
Roger
|
jlDunn
Member
Joined: 5 Feb 2007
Posts: 122
|
# Posted: 7 Mar 2007 13:35
Reply
Congrats Robert!!
You are right, the technology is amazing, and definitely get in as much training as possible.....you will do great!!
Now you will see about the Synergy Solution calls and such....they are great for business!!
The more people you get on your team the less you expenses will be.....Soon you will have a team that requires all you attention, so you will no longer be prospecting on your own.....no more marketing fees, plus if you get 10 people signed up under your MAC - your MAC fees are paid for!!
Plus, you can use the Inteletravel as a step up to your business, or as an extra source of income! That too helps with the costs of running your coastal business, The inteleltravel - Independant Travel Agent Program is great, and costs next to nothing to run!!
You will have a blast, and as for being outside of your comfort zone, don't worry, you have a huge support team.....we all like to help each other out.....Everyone's success will grow with everyone's success!!
Lindsay
|
matiasmommy
Preferred Member
Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Posts: 346
|
# Posted: 12 Mar 2007 00:19
Reply
Hi Hannah!
I'm a L3 Director with the CSG and started my business in September. I know exactly where you are at, as I was in a real money crunch before I managed to "get it" and get qualified.
Its been smooth sailing since then, and I have my director, the CSG and Coastal Vacations to thank for it!
I'd be happy to mentor you, but you REALLY should speak with your Director openly about your concerns. The CSG leaders are LEADERS for a reason. They are very VERY good at what they do.
I know lots of people on this list swear by the call centres. As far as I'm concerned, this business is for entrepreneurs and visionairies. I hardly think one can grow, prosper and feel good about their accomplishments if all they have done is advertise and sit on their duff. I also think this is not a sustainable model of business. I know that with the skills I have learned with the CSG I can be successful in ANY business at ANY point in my life. I remember, I was so terrified about calling my first prospect that I literally was shaking so hard I could hardly talk. I wanted it SO bad that I pushed through it. I'm a much better person for it, because I have learned so much and FEEL wonderful that I DID IT! NOW I love prospecting! I can't wait to see who I get to meet and connect with each day. I've got a great team of truly outstanding people. Why? BECAUSE I CHOOSE THEM AS MUCH AS THEY CHOOSE ME!
Not that I would want to! Coastal ROCKS! We have the best product on the planet!
At any rate, if you want to get in touch with me and your director doesn't mind (do clear it with him/her first- I don't wish to step on anyones feet) then please feel free to drop me a line.
One of my goals is to help others who have not yet found their success with coastal for whatever reason. I think there are FAR too many people out there that have all the potential but simply do not have the support they need (who are ALSO not members of the CSG! There is nothing left to chance or guesswork with our backoffice and training calls!). But I am aware that far too many are with the wrong group or the wrong director (how many people out there join and then their director disappears- perfectly awful, imho).
So if you feel you would like to talk, I'm at [Link removed - Admin]
I'm actually moving this week- I'm moving to my dream home (a horse farm!!) thanks in FULL to my Coastal Business! But I'm happy to share whatever I can with you!
Cheers
Jani
__________________
|
hsimpsonjr
Preferred Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 593
|
# Posted: 12 Mar 2007 10:09 � Edited by: hsimpsonjr
Reply
Quoting: matiasmommy I know lots of people on this list swear by the call centres. As far as I'm concerned, this business is for entrepreneurs and visionairies. I hardly think one can grow, prosper and feel good about their accomplishments if all they have done is advertise and sit on their duff. I also think this is not a sustainable model of business.
Jani,
congrats on your success! I must take issue with the description of the call center, though. The WeCloseYourSales call center was created by visionairies who felt that Coastal should be available to people who had desire to make money from home but also weren't the best at selling. We simply make it easier for the regular person to make money in Coastal. Also, we don't just sit on our "duff". We advertise, then we TRAIN our new members. We are only illiminating the selling step of the process. We still work VERY hard to make sure our new members are successful and we have WONDERFUL training that teaches us how to market Coastal with over 170 ways. As far as being sustainable goes, we are over 2 years old and we are the number one producing team in Coastal right now. The owner of the Call center is good friends with the chairman of the board of directors and , though he can't officially endorse us just as he can't officially endorse CSG or any other group, He loves us because of all the money we are bringing into Coastal. He even let the owner speak at the last conference in Florida. If you want to see a video of what he said just go to google video and search for Hoyt Farmer and you will find that video. At that time the call center had paid out over $1,500,000.00 in 18 months. I would say that is a sustainable business modle.
One thing you will notice is that 99% of us here that are active in this Coastal area of this forum are very helpful to eachother and we don't criticize eachother's groups. I actually compliment CSG on a regular basis and I make it a point to tell people that the Call center isn't for everyone. So, I ask you to please verify your information before you post something like you did. The Coastal Vacations Call Center works wonderfullly as is proven by the members of this board. The Coastal Synergy Group works wonderfully as does the Coastal Wealth Builders and we can all exist without tearing eachother down. There are enough new prospects to go around to all of us. We just present our teams and who ever the new prospect feels most comfortable with is who he or she will go with. Again, Congrats on you amazing success with CSG. You guys have a great group and I wish you continued success!
Harold Simpson
__________________
|
jlDunn
Member
Joined: 5 Feb 2007
Posts: 122
|
# Posted: 12 Mar 2007 12:57
Reply
Quoting: hsimpsonjr who felt that Coastal should be available to people who had desire to make money from home but also weren't the best at selling
Hi all.....
Harold, I just wanted to put my opinion in here as well......I think that people must remember that they aren't "selling"......so much as helping people out. People come looking for us because they want to change their lives, they want to make them better......That's what I did.....And we are here to show them that Coastal can do it!!
We offer things other than financial freedom!!
We offer support, and guidance, and personal development(CSG), leadership (CSG), and incentives for your hard work!! (High Five Club with CSG).....and training for a positive attitude in all aspects of their life, not just money and work!!
It is proven that vacationoning is HEALTHY - so you are also offering a change to their health
We aren't just "selling" a product, we are helping people change thier lives because they asked us too!!
I would have to agree with Jani -I think it is much easier to accept it when you do the work, I also have an easier time justifying the 2-ups that way. Your director is supposed to be there to help you out, to support you, and assist you in any way they can, I think they should earn their training pay!!
Jani, your link got removed by admin, was it your email you had put up there?
Lindsay
|
hsimpsonjr
Preferred Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 593
|
# Posted: 12 Mar 2007 16:37
Reply
Quoting: jlDunn I think that people must remember that they aren't "selling"......so much as helping people out. People come looking for us because they want to change their lives, they want to make them better......That's what I did.....And we are here to show them that Coastal can do it!!
Lindsay,
I totally agree that we are making a difference in peoples lives. Some people have a harder time than others in asking people for money. We help those people move around that fear by letting our sales associates ask for us. We help new members not get discouraged because they aren't the ones dealing with immediate rejection if someone decides not to buy and that rejection is why 95% of the people who start homebased businesses don't succeed. We just offer another way of helping people succeed.
Quoting: jlDunn think it is much easier to accept it when you do the work, I also have an easier time justifying the 2-ups that way. Your director is supposed to be there to help you out, to support you, and assist you in any way they can, I think they should earn their training pay!!
This is another misconception about the call center. People say that we teach you how to be lazy and that we don't do any work. I want you to ask the members of this board who are members of my team if I don't do any work with my Coastal business. I work very hard marketing and especially TRAINING my team. That is another GREAT thing about the call center. It frees up time that would normally be spent calling leads so that you can train your new members. Our system works wonderfully. I have made $19,000 in the last 2 months. It's working for me and God is blessing my socks off.
I definately don't want to say that we are the only option but we are another option for people who would like to use a system like ours. All of our teams are legitimate options for Coastal and we meet different needs for different types of people. I don't mean to sound defensive but when I see people saying things about the call center that I know isn't true I feel I must set the record straight. I know the call center works simply from personal experience. I feel that Jani is probably just repeating what she has heard others in her group say. About 99% of the bad things said about the call center come from people who have never been associated with the call center. I just wish people would do the research before just saying what they heard from someone else. We are all one big family. I would easily give a good recommendation to you guys at CSG and Wealth Builders because I know you have good teams with good training. Lindsay, you and Lora are GREAT directors and I can tell that from the posts you make. If someone called me and asked me if I would recommend you as a director I would definately do so. I hope you guys would do the same for me and my team.
__________________
|
matiasmommy
Preferred Member
Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Posts: 346
|
# Posted: 12 Mar 2007 22:53
Reply
I have to say.. I don't SELL anybody ANYTHING! I'm a nurse. Does that qualify me as a regular person?? Sure, it was hard for me to pick up the phone at first.. but then my director said this:
People have REQUESTED the information because they have a PROBLEM!
I'm a nurse, as I said. So what I love to do best is HELP people!
That is exactly what I do. Help people get the information they requested, and help answer their questions. I let the SYSTEM do the selling for me. In other words, I let people make up their own minds. The product speaks for itself and does stand alone. I simply let it.
I totally reject the idea that I am a salesperson and need a telemarketer to call or close anyone on my behalf. I hate those people trying to call and sell me something in the middle of supper! They just will not take no thank you for an answer. I also know that MOST of the people who answer my ads DO NOT CALL ME. I have to call them back- so, correct me if I am wrong.. but don't the people actually have to ring into the call centre and give an id code at least the first time?
I would miss many, MANY sales if I did that! People LIKE to check out my website, get to know me and expect ME to call them, and answer their questions.
I am sorry, but I just don't see how the call centre can really work efficiently? As a prospect, it would really turn me off to be handed over to a telemarketer- a professional salesperson. I would most definately want to be speaking to and connecting with my future director. It is that person that is crucial to your success-the package is great, its a no brainer what a true value it is. The groups all have systems in place, each with their strengths and weaknesses mind you- but all of those systems have been tested and have made people money. The difference, at the end of the day is the people.
Actually, I have CALLED the call centres before I joined coastal. I am an owl personality and interview no less then 34 directors and 6 groups before I settled where I am. Its not right for everyone, just as not every director even within the same group is the right person for everyone. Again- the value and joy of this business TO ME, is about connecting with people so you can help them with their problems.
I also prospect and follow up for about 1-2 hours a day- its not super time intensive, labourious and frustrating. I'm a single stay at home mom of a toddler. I really don't have the time! Any parent out there I'm sure can relate. I don't worry about marketing- I let the system do it for me. Well, until recently. I'm actually working on a coastal site right now. Just a fun experiment! In 7 months, I'm now working mostly with my team, a group of people I am proud to know and very pleased to call my collegues. I know that many people SEEM to have that impression- prospecting is scary and takes a loooong time. Life is what you make it, I guess. Sure, I get rude people and hang ups as much as the next person. But, let me tell you it is SO worth it to meet that wonderful, special person, connect with them and help them towards the life of their dreams.
Yes, rejection is the most frightening thing for any human being to deal with. I totally agree. BUT, it is crucial to realize that until we connect, really get to KNOW each other- that person on the other end of the phone who hangs up or is rude IS NOT REJECTING ME, heck if they haven't looked at the information properly they aren't even rejecting the business or product. You can't reject someone or something if you don't KNOW ABOUT IT! I just move on. Their problem, poor souls. Not mine. THAT is the problem that most people have that the call centre actually addresses. Let the professional telemarketer "get rejected". Thing is, I'm sure the telemarketer people are all trained to KNOW that THEY are not being rejected-so why not just help your team members understand exactly that so prospecting isn't hard or scary and life goes on? It is simply the telemarketers job to pick up the phone the next time it rings. They follow the system. I'm sure they are just ordinary, regular people too! They learned the skills. ANYONE can do it.
It was really very important to me to know who I was working with and handing $11,000 over to, and I just couldn't see paying a call centre a portion of all of my sales and working with people that I didn't select. I would feel like crap if I tried my best but just couldn't help them at the end of the day- because prospecting is about qualifying. Qualifying your prospect to work with you, qualifying them to see if they are right for you, this business and entrepreneurship in general. Let alone qualifying yourself as the person to work FOR them. Yes, I said FOR. Network marketing is an upside down world. Again, MHO. But I work FOR my people and with my people. So they get get away from that boss that they work for and with.
Yes, ANYONE from ANY background and be successful with Coastal! BUT at the end of the day, far too many people unfortunately are just not cut out of entrepreneurial cloth. I really value the opportunity to look for that desire, ambition, personality, attitude, honesty in people. Its wonderful to be able to connect with others, learn from them and show them the road less traveled while smoothing out the bumps as much as humanly possible. The part of the business that I think is the most joyful and positive is NOT the bar none awsome travel package or the great profits but the ability to work with like minded people and help them get where they want to be. That is why I have a reason to smile when I dial. I smile a lot more these days, thanks to coastal.
I have found it to be very true.. you simply can't say the wrong thing to the right person. Relax, be yourself and get over the idea of being a salesperson or convincing people. That is NOT what we do, that is why coastal has this great product and fabulous systems! So, why do I actually need a telemarketer again exactly?
What might be nice, is some kind of service where if say, you got sick or had a baby you could ask another director to take over your prospecting and team. That would be very cool! Would the call centres maybe offer that service? Thing is, again I would really need to know the director well, and we would need to share the same vision, philosophy and ideals to not confuse people.
I was NOT a salesperson, and am not to this day. I can't even tell you how HARD it was for me to actually start calling people those first few weeks. But I worked through it, with the help and support of my awesome director and my team and I am a MUCH better and happier person for it! Not to mention confident. I totally understand being shy- I've always been a bit of a quiet wallflower. More so, in the past few years since a serious car accident.
If someone wants to join a call centre, fine with me. But I don't know how they would feel at the end of the day if they weren't able to make it work for whatever reason. I also don't think it right to convince people to join a call centre because "calling people takes too much time" or because we are salespeople. In my experience, neither is true!
I'm not trying to bash anyone.. at the end of the day Coastal Vacations is a blessing to each and everyone of us. Coastal is full of many GREAT people- everywhere you turn. Its a people business. I don't know you Harold, but I have read a lot of your posts. You seem like you are very passionate about what you do as well, and I do respect that. My perspective is just very different. I did not mean to offend you nor your group. If it works for you, great!
But I have actually been following the business for several years and have seen SEVERAL call centres get tossed. My understanding is that Hoyt is a very decent and ethical person. Hats off to him for being enterprising. Very visionary, and certainly a unique spin on Coastal Vacations.
Again, not trying to insult anyones values or beliefs. If you feel good about and love what you do, do the best you can and follow your dreams you are on the right track. But I really don't think its very fair or honest to say join a call centre so you don't have to sell or put in much time. My understanding (and certainly my own personal experience) is that the premise OF coastal from the beginning is that we do not do those things. Regardless of the group we choose.
__________________
|
hsimpsonjr
Preferred Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 593
|
# Posted: 13 Mar 2007 00:14 � Edited by: hsimpsonjr
Reply
Jani,
We do say that you don't have to sell if you choose not to but we don't say you don't have to put in much time. We say your business is what you make of it. The more time you put in it the more productive it can be. I understand the implication that you don't make sales but the bottom line is when money has changed hands a sale has been made. Lots of us say that our website does the selling for us and sometimes that is true. Lots of us say that the package sells itself and that can be true also. Bottom line is we are making a sale one way or another. Money is going from one person to another and what happens afterwards is what determines how successful you will be in Coastal Vacations. Go and listen to the conference calls the Board of Directors do. They are constantly talking about making sales and getting signups. Our business is Direct Sales and that is just the way it is.
You say that Hoyt is a decent and ethical person and then in the next paragraph you say that we aren't being fair or honest when we ask someone to join our team. That doesn't make sense. We are either decent and ethical or we are not. I know we are and so does Thomas, Roger, Susan, Dawn, Beckie, Noreen, Silvana, Terri and others on this very forum who have made the decision to join the Call center team. Here is the bottom line. CSG has a great team and training system in place. I encourage all prospects to check you guys out. WeCloseYourSales also has a great team and training system. Check us out, too. Look at Coastal Wealth Builders and other teams too. Find the one that fits you the best and then join it. I can promise you this. I will never say that CSG is unfair or dishonest. I wish you would treat my team with the same respect. I wish you continued success with your Coastal business.
__________________
|
matiasmommy
Preferred Member
Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Posts: 346
|
# Posted: 13 Mar 2007 01:42
Reply
Except.. that I have read the emails that I have received from the call centres. They do very clearly state that the call centre is for people who do not wish to make sales and/or do not have time. That is the implication that I don't agree with.
In fact, this is an excerpt from a WCYS rep that came into my email today:
"Who Is A Good Candidate for using our Sales Center System?
Directors in Coastal Vacations who are tired of "smiling and dialing"
People with no time, and who work fulltime jobs
People with no background in sales
People who have never started a home based business
People who like to automate their income streams
People who don't have a lot of extra time
People who can't speak English well and may need assistance selling
People who are in international countries all over the world
People who are money motivated
People who love to travel and save money
People with desire, and a passion to lose their jobs on purpose
People who value spending more time with their families
People who need extra retirement income
People who hate their jobs, and want out of the rat race
People who like their job, but who just need a little more money
People who like making money the easy way
People who have a fear of talking on the phone
If you see yourself on this list, then why not get started today?
We could show you how to put $2000 to $3000 dollars in your pocket in the next 7 to 10 days."
I think ALL of those qualities discussed apply to ANY group in Coastal. Time, Travel, Money Freedom for ALL from ANY background with the desire and motivation. The ability to NOT put in hours and hours and not have to cold call or be a salesperson.
It is smart marketing.. but I think the reason that call centres are always on the defensive is because of content like that (and I don't know if that is a modified responder message or whatnot) which implies that what we (going the traditional route) is hard or inferior then the call centre. I KNOW its not hard, does not take hours of my time and that I REALLY AM NOT A SALESPERSON! Someone does NOT need to join a call centre because its too hard or whatever in the more traditional fashion- at least since we went online. I'm sure there are great people over there (at your call centre) too. You are RIGHT, it is the after the sale part that does determine success or failure with Coastal. Which is why I prefer to screen my own prospects. It just makes logical sense to me!
I do and have listened to many BOD calls for several years. BOD is great, but again their lingo and system is slightly different. Every groups is.
I understand that indeed Hoyt is a great person- most likely his ethics are why his centre is thriving (apparently) and still around. I do not know any of you personally, but I DO know from looking at the websites and related things (and trust me I'm on many autoresponder lists and programs) (and again, some of them ARE personal sites) that call centre reps DO tend to state (and I'm sure not everyone is the same) the advantage is for people who DO NOT LIKE TO MAKE SALES or DO NOT HAVE TIME. Even looking at the ppc titles that often comes out. Now, certainly this may not be representative of everyone- even in the CSG I know of directors that maybe go into grey areas too much for my personal taste. Hoyt isn't responsible for that- and at the end of the day, make the sales and everyone is hopefully happy.
As for what happens when money changes hands.. maybe a good point. Technically, yes that is a sale anyway you shake it. But really- people with the sales centre at the end of the day the money goes to you does it not? Rather like selling a home, no? The call centre acts like your realtor? End of the day, you sold your house and make the profit (hopefully anyhow!). Its YOU who is responsible- that is why you have to sign all that disclosure paperwork at listing and close. So again, that is my feeling. You are responsible for the success of people that YOU did not choose and may not necessarily resonate with or be able to help? At the end of the day, you did take payment from their membership purchase for the training you provide and you will take their first 2 members on and earn that commission. Right?
To let you know.. I have checked out MANY other groups, systems, backoffices and directors. I made the best decision for ME, and attract like minded people. FYI- I do have people who are not native english speakers AND also team members not in North America on my team. The CSG system is working for them well too.
There are different strokes for different folks. No one system or director will work for everyone. That is the absolute beauty of coastal. We do have choices. I just think people should really understand what they are doing and KNOW in their heart of hearts that it is the right business decision, group, team and director for THEM!
__________________
|
ibizniz
Member
Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 258
|
# Posted: 13 Mar 2007 13:11
Reply
Hello
I wanted to introduce myself...my name is Maria. I have been with coastal since 2001. I also joined the wecloseyoursales closers, as to be blunt I had to ... as others were touting that it was the greatest thing on the planet and I would have lost sales if I didn't have it to offer.
However saying that, the ones who are the most successful with Hoyt's call center are picking up the phones to say hello. Very few are leaving it all up to the autoresponders and the call center.
The conversion rates using the wecloseyoursales call center is lower than if you were to call and close the sales yourself.
I think people feel that they need to pitch their prospects, when really all the tools out there will do 90% of the work for you.
I personally have never had good success using the CEM leads, the best leads are always the ones you generate yourself. I do purchase the coastal specific MLMleadgenie leads for my new members and they do like them and get results with them, if that helps anyone.
I treat coastal as a job, I do a certain amount of work everyday (I have a daily work check list) and it brings in a fabulous income.
I hope this helps,
Cheers
maria
__________________
|
jlDunn
Member
Joined: 5 Feb 2007
Posts: 122
|
# Posted: 13 Mar 2007 13:35
Reply
All right....
I think it basically boils down to this.....
Each to their own.....whatever floats your boat....whatever turns your crank.....on so on....
I think the call centre is great for those that want to use it.....I personally don't find it comforting.....I have a hard time with it but that is MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE!
I can understand, however, how some people would like to use a call centre, and if you look around, it is obviously part of others comfort zones...again....it is their personal preference!
The give and take of each different groups is a pro or con for someone looking, and if I find a prospect who wants to advertise, but not talk to a lot of people, then I would probably refer them to a call centre.
However, If I find someone (like myself) who has doubt in their own personal advertising and would rather let the pros do it, and who has doubt in people and their drive....then I would opt for a group like CSG, where there is no call centre!
Then there is the money - always a factor for people! How much you can make, and how much to get started!
Obviosly both work......there is no need to argue that point.....when it comes to personal opinions, I'm sure we can all disagree about something - right from how to cook chicken, how to raise children, how to dress, how to speak, and how to run your coastal business!
I hope we can all agree to disagree....and move forward with the support!
Lindsay
|
OnlineMoney24 7
Member
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 85
|
# Posted: 13 Mar 2007 14:19
Reply
Wow this topic has got my head spinning. I am considering joining Coastal in the next little while. I am really leaning towards the Call Center group. Mainly because I have had a lot of exposure recently to online marketing, advertising, and promoting. And I am not willing to give up my JOB until I have got well established and got a number of sales under my belt.
So this would be a good fit for my right now in my current situation. Focusing on the marketing/advertising in the beginning and have the call center close my sales. Then once I become more comfortable with the whole system, I would like to move more towards getting leads and following up with them on my own. Because ultimatley I would like to have good team under me that I select.
I don't know how well that will work since I haven't offically signed up with Coastal yet. Just something I have been thinking about lately.
|
hsimpsonjr
Preferred Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 593
|
# Posted: 13 Mar 2007 14:46
Reply
Lindsay,
yes, we definately can move on with the support. In fact, that is what I was doing by responding to Jani's initial post. I was supporting my team. As the director of the majority of people posting in this Coastal Vacations section of this forum I feel it is my duty and obligation to correct any mis- information about our team. What Jani was posting about us was not true. I don't want people who are coming to this forum to see somthing posted about us that isn't true so I had to address what she posted. I definately don't think she was being melicious. (did I spell that right?) I just think she was repeating what she has been told by others or she might have been posting what she has noticed about other call centers besides the WeCloseYourSales team. Our team, here on this forum, doesn't say bad or negative things about CSG or any other teams but it sure seems like a lot of other teams like to say untrue things about us. We have proven ourselves over and over again as being a HUGELY successful team and we just want mutual respect. The same respect we give to CSG. That's all. Nothing more. I will leave it at that and I encourage all new prospects who read this to do your due diligence and research all of our teams. We all can help you find the right one for you even if it isn't our own.
__________________
|
hsimpsonjr
Preferred Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 593
|
# Posted: 13 Mar 2007 15:03
Reply
OnlineMoney24,
your ideas sound like you have really been reading alot on Roger's site. That's GREAT! You are making the right choice because, like you said, if you get to the point to where you feel comfortable closing sales then you can do that even though you are with the call center. When you are a member of the call center you have the option to use it or not depending on the situation. If you have a prospect that feels like they need it then it's there for them. If you have one that doesn't then you can go that route, too. It's up to you. Our training is AMAZING and you will have the support of EVERYONE associated with the call center and that means even people like Jeff Mills who is the number one producer in Coastal right now. Over the Christmas Holiday, Jeff went to Hawaii for a week. While he was gone the call center made him $25,000.00. That was in one week! That's what the call center can do while you are on vacation. We all help eachother and we, as a team, will be dedicated to your success.
__________________
|
daretodream
Member
Joined: 11 Feb 2007
Posts: 30
|
# Posted: 13 Mar 2007 17:36
Reply
Jani,
Thank you for your kind offer. I have actually found a mentor outside of Coastal who is willing to help me, without being business specific, and I will try that for now.
I have actually asked my director specific questions and had her say "If you were on the training calls your questions would have been answered", and go on to not answer my question even though I will point out that I attend as many trainings as my busy schedule allows. Overall she is a wonderful person and does help me where she can, I definitely don't mean to badmouth her, and that is part of the reason why I would never divulge her name, she just wants people to succeed on their own and seems abrupt at times because of it. And I am still having difficulty getting questions answered, which is frustrating....the biggest of which perhaps someone here can help me with...
I realise that we are trying to help people improve their lives but I have extreme difficulty rebutting the "I cannot afford it" statement, even though I was one of those who really could not afford it. I will at that point mention that I had to borrow money to get started but if someone asks me how long I have been in and how much money I have made....well it's kind of hard to convince them that we can help them when I am having such a rough time of it. I will mention that I have had my own barriers to overcome and go on to mention my directors story, or the story of someone in the prospects are if I know one but it generally doesn't convince them to take a closer look once they've seen the prices.
|
(?)
